The Keysight (Agilent) Q8486A is a high-performance thermocouple waveguide power sensor designed for precise average power measurements in the Q-band frequency range from 33 GHz to 50 GHz. Operating over a power level of -30 dBm to +20 dBm, it offers excellent SWR to minimize measurement uncertainty due to mismatch. The sensor features a 50 MHz calibration port with NIST-traceable calibration and is compatible with a wide array of legacy and modern Keysight/Agilent power meters.
Specifications
General
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Display | None (uses host power meter display) |
Physical
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Supply | Powered by host power meter |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to 55 °C |
| Dimensions (W×H×D) | 44 mm × 39 mm × 79 mm |
| Weight | 0.16 kg |
Frequency and Power Performance
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 33 GHz to 50 GHz |
| Power Measurement Range | -30 dBm to +20 dBm (1 µW to 100 mW) |
| Maximum SWR | 1.50 |
| Maximum Average Power | 200 mW (+23 dBm) |
| Maximum Peak Power | 15 W peak |
Sensor Element and Dynamic Characteristics
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Sensing Element Type | Thermocouple |
RF and Waveguide Interface Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| EIA Waveguide Size | WR-22 |
| Flange Type | UG-383/U |
| Frequency Band | Q-band |
Measurement Accuracy and Uncertainty
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Calibration Port Reference Frequency | 50 MHz |
| Calibration Traceability | NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) |
Connectivity and Compatibility
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Compatible Power Meter Models | EPM Series (E4418A/B, E4419A/B), EPM-P Series (E4416A, E4417A), P-Series (N1911A, N1912A), E1416A VXI, 70100A, 435B, 436A, 437B, 438A |
| Sensor Cable Interface Type | 12-pin multi-contact connector (8480 Series Cable) |
Environmental Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Storage Temperature Range | -40 °C to +75 °C |
Inputs & Outputs
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Calibration Port Connector | APC-3.5 (male) |
Environmental
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating Humidity | < 95% RH at 40 °C (non-condensing) |
| Storage Humidity | < 95% RH at 65 °C |
| Maximum Operating Altitude | 4570 m |
| Maximum Storage Altitude | 15240 m |
Waveguide Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| IEC Waveguide Designation | R400 |
Performance
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Calibration Factor RSS Uncertainty (33.0 to 40.0 GHz) | ±3.1% |
| Calibration Factor RSS Uncertainty (40.0 to 50.0 GHz) | ±3.7% |
| Calibration Factor Worst-Case Uncertainty (33.0 to 40.0 GHz) | ±5.8% |
| Calibration Factor Worst-Case Uncertainty (40.0 to 50.0 GHz) | ±7.0% |
| Calibration Port SWR | < 1.10 @ 50 MHz |
| Maximum Energy per Pulse | 30 W·μs |
| Zero Set | ±50 nW (with E4418B / E4419B / 437B) |
| Zero Drift | < ±10 nW (within 1 hour at constant temperature) |
| Measurement Noise | < 110 nW (within 1 minute, with E4418B / 437B) |
| Calibration Factor Frequency Step Size | 1 GHz intervals |
Technology
Thermocouple
Applications
RF and Microwave Power Measurement